Southbank Centre London
Exploring Southbank Centre London: A Day Packed with Culture, Food and Fun
If you’re seeking a vibrant and eclectic day out in the heart of London, look in to Southbank Centre London. This cultural hub is a haven for art lovers, food enthusiasts and tourists visiting London.
Whether you’re catching a performance at the Royal Festival Hall, strolling through a weekend food market or simply enjoying the stunning views along the Thames, Southbank Centre London offers something for everyone.
As an American in London for 11 years, I often spend the day in this area with my husband. There are so many things to do in Southbank Centre London! From fantastic foodie spots to world-class galleries and historic theatres to riverside pubs, you’ll find plenty of reasons to add this destination to your London itinerary. It’s a must-visit spot for both tourists and locals.
Cultural Activities
Southbank Centre London is renowned for its rich cultural offerings. One of the highlights is the Hayward Gallery, an iconic contemporary art space that hosts a variety of thought-provoking exhibitions. From modern installations to cutting-edge visual art, this gallery is perfect for those looking to engage with innovative artistic expressions.
Most recently, I spent an afternoon exploring the Tavares Strachan: There is Light Somewhere Exhibition. The Exhibition even included a boat on the rooftop!
The Royal Festival Hall is a stunning venue that hosts concerts, performances and events throughout the year. The acoustics here are top-notch, making it a must-visit for music lovers. Whether you’re into classical music, jazz or contemporary performances, the Royal Festival Hall has a diverse lineup that caters to all tastes.
For film enthusiasts, BFI Southbank is a treasure trove. This cinema complex showcases an array of films, from indie releases to timeless classics. It’s the place to be if you appreciate the art of cinema and want to experience films in a unique setting.
If you’d like an overview showing you around Southbank Centre London, this video is on my TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram accounts.
Tate Modern, just a short walk from Southbank Centre, is another cultural gem. This world-famous gallery houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. It’s easy to spend hours here, exploring works from artists like Picasso and Warhol.
Southbank Centre is not just about viewing art—it’s about creating it too. The area offers tons of classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re interested in photography, writing, dance or painting, there’s likely a workshop that caters to your creative side.
Shakespeare’s Globe
No visit to Southbank Centre London would be complete without a trip to Shakespeare’s Globe. This iconic theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the original Globe where Shakespeare’s plays were performed, is steeped in history. You can catch one of the Bard’s plays in a truly authentic setting, complete with standing room tickets that let you experience the play just as Elizabethan audiences would have.
In addition to the performances, the Globe offers guided tours that provide fascinating insights into the world of Shakespearean theatre. These tours are perfect for both history buffs and casual visitors. They offer a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of the plays.
I’ve had the chance to attend a Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour and really enjoyed it!
Southbank Centre London – Food
Southbank Centre London is a dreamy for food lovers! That’s the biggest reason why my husband (Mr Sunny) and I visit so often.
It has a wide array of dining options to satisfy any craving. Our favourite foodie activity is the Southbank Centre Food Market. It takes place on weekends. At this market you’ll find a very diverse range of street food vendors offering everything from gourmet burgers to artisanal pastries. The variety is impressive. It’s tough to decide on just a few things to eat!
For a more relaxed dining experience, head to the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden. This green oasis offers stunning views of the Thames. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely meal or a refreshing drink. The garden is a serene escape from the crowds if you’re in the area on a weekend or school holiday.
The area around Southbank Centre is also home to numerous restaurants and cafes, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Whether you’re in the mood for international cuisine or classic British fare, you’ll find plenty of options.
Southbank Centre London – Tourist Attractions
Southbank Centre London isn’t just for art and culture enthusiast. This area is extremely popular with tourists. It has some of London’s most iconic attractions.
The London Eye offers 360° views of the city from its glass capsules. You will really want to book your time and tickets for this ahead.
Nearby, you’ll find Shrek’s Adventure, a family-friendly attraction that brings these animated characters to life.
For those interested in marine life, SEA LIFE London Aquarium is a must-visit. Home to thousands of aquatic creatures, it’s both educational and entertaining.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more thrilling, The London Dungeon attempts to provide a spine-chilling journey through the city’s dark history. It has live actors and special effects.
You can find them all featured just to the right of the London Eye in the photo below.
These attractions are popular with tourists and can be grouped together with a multi-attraction ticket, which offers great value. In my opinion they are far too touristy. But they do seem to be popular with European travellers to London, especially families.
Southbank Centre London Christmas Market
During the festive season, Southbank Centre London transforms into the Southbank Winter Festival. The Christmas market, which in 2023 ran from November 2 to December 26, is a highlight of the festival.
Stalls line the riverside, offering everything from handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats like mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. You’ll find a lot of adult beverages available too! The atmosphere is fun and festive! It’s one of our first places to go in London to ignite our holiday spirit.
If you follow me on social media, you’ll see Southbank Centre Winter Festival posts popping up in early November.
Final Thoughts
Southbank Centre London is a vibrant, diverse area where you can easily spend a full day soaking in the culture. With its delicious food and some of London’s top attractions, you’ll always find it buzzing.
Whether you seek a fun day or evening out as a couple, as a family or with friends, Southbank Centre London is a great idea!
If you’d like help planning your trip, subscribe to my weekly Sunny News email. You’ll receive a link to download my FREE 15-page Insider’s Guide to Hidden Gems in London.
Each week, you’ll get updates on current events in London, discounts for tickets and Mr. Sunny’s Pub of the Week. You can also check out my monthly Things to Do in London article. In it you’ll find an extensive list of must-see shows, events, cultural activities, afternoon teas, neighbourhood happenings and more!
Now that you’ve learned about all the exciting things to do at Southbank Centre London, which excites you the most? Are you more drawn to the cultural activities or the festive markets? Let me know in the comments, Sunny friends!
